The Daily Beeet

Headed out for a family vacation, summer road trip, or weekend get away? Well here are some tips to help you stay healthy while still having the time of your life.

I don't believe that your life, your health, or your diet should be composed of hard and fast rules... we should seek to find balance and enjoyment out of it. Summertime can bring a much needed change of pace for many people; including vacations, varied activities, change in exercise and diet. Even going from work-mode to relaxation mode can cause a bit of a shock to our systems, and there are some things that would be great to incorporate this summer to stay healthy as you make memories. So here they are: 12 Tips for Healthy Road Trips!

1. Hydrate!If you remember nothing else, DO remember to hydrate! This will help you keep your energy levels up, your body flushed and well-hydrated to keep up with you.

2. Stretch it outStop frequently (at least a few times a day) to get out of the car, or stand up on the airplane to move around, and do a few stretches. The hip flexors, lower back, shoulders, and neck are most likely to tense up after a few hours of inactivity so make sure to stay as loose as possible.

4. Put your stunner shades onA good set of sunglasses is essential to protecting eyes from the sun. Exposure to too much sunshine can damage vision and light-colored eyes are often more sensitive to light. Bring along a pair of high-quality sunnies that protect against UVA, UVB, and HEV light. A polarized pair can help cut down on glare, making driving safer and more enjoyable.

5. BYO gym.No treadmill? No problem. Pack sneakers, gym clothes, and small exercise equipment like resistance bands or a yoga mat to turn any quick stretch break into a mini-workout. Print out (or save on a smartphone) plenty of body weight workouts for hotel rooms or mornings when other road-trippers are moving slowly.

6. Choose meals wisely.Try to pack your own healthy snacks like raw nuts and carrot sticks. However I realize there are only so many carrot sticks a person can eat before hankering for a real vacation meal...especially if it's a longer getaway. From Airport food to fast food drive-ins to gas station markets, food while traveling is notoriously unhealthy. When you can try to work in a lighter meal or two; look for grilled items, plenty of greens, and don’t be shy about asking for a sauce on the side.

11. Get plenty of rest.If traveling by plan try to take cat naps so you are ready to hit the ground running. If driving and feeling sleepy, get off the road or switch drivers...best to stay safe!

12. Keep the brain active.What’s a road trip without a bumpin’ playlist and plenty of off-key singing at the top of your lungs? The tunes make the trip, but an audiobook or podcast can help pass the time when travel buddies are too tired for a karaoke battle. Everyone will learn something new, exercise their brains, and a bit of new knowledge or an interesting story will make the miles fly by.

Most importantly have fun and make the most of it...take plenty of scenic detours, and keep the overall mood light-hearted and stress-free.